What makes a good councillor? It is a question I am often asked by people who want to find out more about the role or those with an interest in local politics.

I’m sure many of my colleagues in the council chamber could list a range of qualities they regard as being essential to represent the people in their wards.

But from now on, if anyone asks me that question I will simply point them towards the tribute to the late councillor Des Moffatt that appeared in this newspaper on Tuesday.

“Passionate about what he believed in”, “dedicated”, “always putting residents first and politics second”, “committed”, “hard-working” and “diligent”. Just some of the words used from across the political divide to describe Des after his passing at the weekend following a short illness.

I had the utmost respect for Des both as a local politician and a man. He was the epitome of what a local councillor should be.

He initially combined his role as councillor with his job at Plessey Hydraulics, where he worked for 43 years between 1961 and 2004. Des always put Swindon first in everything that he did.

He was a formidable political opponent because he was extremely knowledgeable, especially in the areas of finance and housing. A former chairman of the housing committee he was shadow member for finance and whenever he came to the table to ask questions at cabinet you knew you would be in for a tough time.

He was thorough in his questioning of decisions and challenging when he had to be.

But having previously worked for the Royal Ulster Constabulary that was to be expected.

He was also fair and was not afraid to afford praise – if it was deserved. Des was very quick-witted and his dry sense of humour often drew smiles in council meetings.

He first began serving the people of Swindon when he was elected in 1983 and “serve” he most definitely did.

We disagreed on many matters but a good example of how he always put residents first came in his later years.

Des, like his Labour colleagues, was vehemently against the cabinet’s decision to create parish councils across the whole of the borough.

But despite his opposition to the proposals, he became the founding chairman of Central Swindon North Parish Council because he knew the best way to serve his residents and to make a difference to his community would be to deliver local services through the parish council.

He was an early supporter of our plans to create the Moredon Sports Hub and we have him to thank for ensuring the old Ferndale School, which was formerly occupied by Oxford Brookes University, was kept as an educational facility.

It is now home to our alternative school provision Fernbrook.

Rest in peace Des.

The chamber will be a poorer place without you.